of writing. When before did a nation of Indians step forward and ask for the means of civilization? The Cherokee authorities have adopted the measure already stated, with a sincere desire to make their nation an intelligent and a virtuous people, and with a full hope that those who have already pointed out to them the road of happiness, will now assist them to pursue it. Yes, methinks I view my native country, rising from the ashes of her degradation, wearing her purified and beautiful garments, and taking her seat with the nations of the earth. I behold her sons bursting the fetters of ignorance, and unshackling her from the vices of heathenism. She is at this instant risen like the first morning sun, which grows brighter and brighter, until it reaches its fulness of glory........ She asks not for greatness; she seeks not wealth; she pleads only for assistance to become respectable as nation, to enlighten and ennoble her sons, and to ornament her daughters with mo a desty and virtue....... There is, in Indian history, something very melancholy. We have seen every where the poor aborigines melt away before the White population. I merely speak of the fact, without at all réferring to the cause. We have seen one family after another, one tribe after another, nation after nation, pass away; until only a few solitary creatures are left to tell the sad story of extinction. Shall this precedent be followed? Shall Red men live, or shall they be swept from the earth? With you and the public at large the decision chiefly rests. Must they perish? They hang upon your mercy as to a garment. Will you push them from you, or will you save them?" This address, we need not say, excited great interest, and, we are happy to add, was followed by considerable subscriptions to promote the object so powerfully pleaded for. LIST OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. THEOLOGY. 1 John v. 7. By T. Burgess, D.D. Bishop of Salisbury. The Christian Student. By the Rev. E. Bickersteth. 8s. Reference Testament for Bible Classes. By H. Wilbur. 4s. MISCELLANEOUS. The chief Difficulties and Disadvantages of English. By G. Knight. Life of Cranmer. By A. Sargent. 6s. 6d. Memoir of Mrs. Judson. By the Rev. J. Knowles. 5s. 6d. The Family Library. Vol. II. 5s. The Essentials of Hebrew Grammar. By the Rev. J. Crocker. "Sir T. More," or Colloquies on the Progress and Prospects of Society. By R. Southey, LL.D. 2 vols. 30s. Vallery, a Poem. By C. D. Sillery. 2 vols. 10s. Shreds and Patches of History. 2 vols. 10s. 6d. A Brief View of Ecclesiastical History. Tales of a Physician. By W. H. Harrison, M.D. 7s. 6d. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. ON THE OBSERVANCE OF THE LORD'S-DAY. If ever there was an age in which light and darkness, religion and irreligion, were visibly and boldly in opposition, it is surely the present; and we scarcely know of any illustration of this fact more CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 329. forcible than the opposing efforts now in progress in various countries for the consecration and the desecration of the Christian Sabbath. In one of our last Numbers we mentioned that strong petitions have been presented to the legislature of the United States, against the practice of 2 U opening post-offices and forwarding letters on the Sunday; and this remonstrance is strongly supported by the friends of religion and good order in America, by a reference to the metropolis of Great Britain; for they justly argue, that if London does not require the receipt or transmission of letters on the Sunday, New York may do very well without it. But we grieve to say, that counter efforts are made not only to perpetuate, but to extend the evil. Some inhabitants of a small town in the United States, called Rochester, have published a string of resolutions, in which, after admitting that "it is the duty of every citizen to abstain from all servile labour on Sunday," it is added, "We are in favour of having the mail brought to Rochester every day in the week, believing that the business transactions of our citizens would be materially injured by the stoppage of intelligence one day in seven. We will not, in our business transactions, hereafter patronize any individual who continues his connexion with any society which proposes to enforce the better observance of the Lord's-day, or the performance of any religious or moral duty, by pains or penalties; or by agreement to withhold business from such of our citizens, as do not come into the views or measures of such association or society." On these singular resolutions, the NewYork Observer, a religious weekly newspaper, not unaptly remarks :-" Resolved, That though we consider it the duty of every citizen to abstain from servile labour on Sunday, we are in favour of having 7,651 post-masters compelled to keep open their offices during at least a part of every Sabbath; of having 2000 or 3000 stage-drivers, as many inn-keepers, and half as many hostlers, detained from public worship, and occupied in business most diverse from the proper duties of the day; -of having 1000 Christian congregations, and many thousand families, disturbed in their devotions and duties, by the noise and confusion of public stages ;- of having a crowd of thoughtless beings collected at every tavern and post-office where they stop, and subjected to the many temptations incident to such places and circumstances; and all this, that we may obtain our letters and newspapers on Sunday, (which otherwise would hang heavily upon our hands), and have our thoughts occupied with the very subjects which a merciful God intended it should expel from our minds and also that others in every place, who are equally careless concerning the things that make for their everlasting peace, may do the same. In London, with its 1,200,000 inhabitants, and its vast amount of business, we are aware that the suspension of the mails and the closing of post-offices on the Sabbath is perfectly consistent with immense prosperity; but with us the case is different, The business transactions of our citizens would be materially injured by the stoppage of intelligence one day in seven ; and if business is injured, no matter what else prospers." On the non-intercourse resolution, the Rochester Observer makes the following just distinction:-"We have seen resolutions passed and acted upon, not to assist men to break the Sabbath; not to ride in stages or boats that travelled on that day; but never before a general nonintercourse. This is worthy of those only who express such high veneration and regard for the Sabbath, and yet not only resolve to violate it themselves, but call public meetings to induce others to do the same." We have noticed this subject because strong wishes have been expressed in our own country to set aside the existing restrictions on the London Sunday postoffice. This very month, the Westminster Review has sounded the key-note to which all the radical, infidel, and licentious part of the press seem prepared to respond, to throw open the London post-office on the Sunday, more particularly for the transmission of Sunday newspapers. Thus the toleration of one enormity--and a fearful enormity are our Sunday newspapersprepares the way for another; and to argue against either, is denounced by graceless Westminster reviewers, and similar writers, as "a relic of Puritanism, utterly unworthy of this enlightened age." We mention these facts with a view to excite the vigilance of every Christian to resist the spirit which so widely prevails to encroach still further upon the obligations of the day of sacred rest. If we cannot gain all that would be right and scriptural, and becoming a Christian land, at least let us endeavour to preserve what we have. If our legislature cannot be induced to abolish Sunday newspapers, to prohibit Sunday travelling by public vehicles, and to repress other open violations of the Sabbath; at least let us be on our guard to prevent further innovations on the sanctity of that holy day. Much may be done, even yet, by precept, by example, by scriptural and especially by Sunday-school education, to check the evil; and among other means, by watching over the progress of public proceedings, legislative or otherwise, which may incidentally have an effect favourable or unfavourable upon this great point of Christian duty and morality. We rejoice to witness many instances of this salutary vigilance upon the part of zealous and well-informed Christians. At this moment a bill is before parliament, a single clause added to which would prevent innumerable profanations of the Lord's-day in the me tropolis. We allude to the bill respecting Smithfield market, in the progress of which we earnestly trust that the legislature will even yet be induced to alter the cattle market-day from Monday to Tuesday. The average number of cattle at Smithfield market every Monday is 2,400 beasts, and 24,000 sheep; and business commences at four o'clock in the morning. The cattle are brought into the vicinity of Smithfield on Sunday; and in the evening of that day are driven towards the market. There are thus employed during the Sunday, innumerable country drovers, town drovers, salesmen, assistants, money-takers, clerks, workmen in fixing the pens, farmers and others in preparing their calves, and butchers and others in travelling on the Sunday to be ready for next day's market. The consequent profanation of the Lord's-day, and the violation of public order and good morals, are most lamentable; and we earnestly trust that the efforts which are being made to induce the legislature to change the day, will be effectual. The evil has been long and deeply deplored. We have before us various extracts from provincial journals, shewing the beneficial effects which have attended judicious endeavours to check the violation of the Lord's-day in various parts of the country; and though all has not been effected that was desirable, yet in every instance where well-regulated plans have been adopted, and perseveringly followed up, enough has been achieved to prove that the labour was not in vain. We copy two short passages as a specimen. From a correspondent of the Sheffield Courant: "Most of your readers are acquainted with the existence of a society in this town, for promoting a better observance of the Sabbath. Many of them subscribe to its support, and have witnessed the great good produced from it. Order and decency are far more regarded now than formerly. The public houses are less frequented; it is not so common a case to see a drunkard reeling along the public streets on the Sabbath-day. This is a species of reformation which ought to adden the heart of every friend to his fellow-creatures, and every lover of his country." From the Cork Constitution: "It is gratifying to observe the improvement which the activity and perseverance of the city sheriffs, high constables, and peace officers have effected in the regulation of publichouses throughout the city. Formerly the publicans were in the habit of considering the law, that required them to keep their houses closed, and not to sell spirituous liquors on the Sabbath, as a mere nullity; but now the thing is quite changed; and it is pleasing to witness the improvement that has been generated throughout the working classes, and which is attended with good effects to their hitherto neglected families. The wretched drunkard is scarcely now to be seen staggering through the streets on a Sunday. This partial reformation in the habits of the people could not be effected at once; and it required activity and perseverance to put into operation, what half measures before could not effect." It has been stated as the result of experience in France, during the revolutionary abolition of religious observances, that with respect to the labours of husbandry and manufactures, and indeed all labour "except that of printing," no more can in the end be accomplished where the whole seven days of the week are employed, than when one out of seven is devoted to rest and religious duties. We firmly believe this fact, for the Sabbath is as humane and politic as it is a religious institution; but we cannot conceive why an exception should have been absurdly made of an occupation which, from the close attention it requires, peculiarly demands the merciful rest of the Sabbath. From the prince to the peasant, from the first minister of the state to the humblest mechanic, the repose of a Sabbath is a blessing, for the loss of which nothing can compensate, either as respects the body or the soul. While writing these lines, we have much pleasure in learning that several of the conductors of daily newspapers in America have come to a resolution to have no work done by any persons in their employment on the Sunday. We doubt whether there is a Monday paper in England, except the Record, in the management of which this Christian regulation is observed. DUBLIN CATHOLIC BOOK SO- A society has been established in Dublin, by the Roman Catholic bishops and clergy and laity, the object of which is 2U2 described in the circular to be "to circulate books containing a clear exposition of the doctrine and discipline of the Roman-Catholic Church, with satisfactory refutations of the prevailing errors of the present time: and, to give additional fa. cility to the education of the poor, books of elementary instruction are to be provided for the use of schools." "It is hoped," adds the circular, "that, with the support expected from the public, 100,000 religious books will be circulated through the country before the expiration of the next three months, which, with the same liberal aid, will be continued each succeeding quarter, till every poor RomanCatholic family in Ireland will be furnished with a select library of religious and other useful books." We entertain no fears from this mea sure. An attempt was made some eighteen months ago in London, to establish a cheap occasional publication for much the same object as these intended tracts. But in what did it end? The first Number (see our review for May 1828) contained an account of two recent miracles, and an exhortation to celibacy; and this was all; and no second Number has ever appeared. The present plan may not be equally abortive; but if not, it will be still more suicidal; for while free scriptural discussion is the strength of Protestantism, it is a death-blow to Popery. Infallibility must never assign reasons; its silence is its safety: when it appeals to argument it ceases to be infallibility. Let the Irish Roman-Catholic once learn to think, and let the Scriptures of truth be placed in his hands, and we have no fear of the result. We therefore strongly recommend the Reformation Society, and other societies, so far as is within their province, and the Irish Protestant clergy in general, closely to follow up the projected tracts with temperate, but striking and scriptural, refutations, and to take care that the bane and antidote shall be found side by side in every recess of the island; but above all, to preclude the entrance of error by truth; and to extend scriptural education and scriptural reading, till, by the Divine blessing, Popery shall fall before the word of God, notwithstanding every effort of its priesthood to buttress up its mouldering walls. EPISCOPAL FLOATING CHURCH SOCIETY. We are happy to state, that, after five years of repeated disappointments, an Episcopal Floating Chapel has at length been opened in the port of London. The chaplain is the Rev. J. Hough of Madras. The object is patronized by his Majesty, and also by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishops of London and Winchester, and various Noblemen and Gentlemen, and public bodies; but pecuniary assistance is still wanted to defray the expenses of the outfit, and to furnish an income to maintain the establishment. Need we add a word to this powerful appeal, except to express a strong hope that the liberality of the public will enable the society to extend their benevolent care to other ports, till every considerable resort of seamen throughout the land shall be provided with an Episcopal Floating Church? DISTRICT VISITING SOCIETY. of this important institution, which, so far We cordially rejoice in the formation as practicable, is to be Episcopal in its character, and under the direction of the parochial clergy. The pressing claims of numerous other institutions would not allow us to do justice to the details of its plans; but we are relieved from the fear of detracting from their merits, by being able to refer to the society's valuable and satisfactory circular prefixed to our Number for March. That appeal, we know, has been perused with much interest; permit the feelings excited by it to suband we trust that none of our readers will side, without endeavouring, so far as their opportunities allow, to promote the object of the society in London, or the same object in their own vicinities. Most large towns, and many smaller ones, have visiting societies; but in none has a system cially under the auspices of the Establishof classification and co-operation, espe ed Church, been carried so far as is contemplated by this institution. It might, perhaps, be advantageously carried even further. We have before us a French work, published in 1820, entitled, "The Visitor of the Poor," being the Essay to which was awarded the prize by the academy of Lyons, for the best treatise "on the means of discovering true poverty, and rendering almsgiving beneficial both to the giver and the receiver." It contains some suggestions which might be very useful to the members of this and similar societies; and from it, and various English publications, might be compiled an excellent Manual for the use of cha ritable visitors, in addition to the "hints, regulations, and instructions," in the society's circular, which are drawn up with great wisdom and experience. We need not add, that religious instruction and edification are to be the invariable basis of the society's labours. IRISH EPISCOPAL HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY. An institution much wanted, and likely to be of great utility, has been formed in Dublin for sending clerical Home Missionaries, under Episcopal sanction, to preach in cottages, and barns, or wherever they can find auditors to profit by their instructions. The Archbishop of Dublin has given his cordial sanction to the Society, and has already licensed two clergymen as missionaries. We shall gladly report the proceedings of these instruments of benevolent Christian aggression. 1829.] ANNUAL MEETINGS OF We know not whether it be from the approbation, "See how these Christians Great inconvenience continues to be experienced from the want of a hall of suitable dimensions, and in other respects commodious, for conducting these important meetings. Freemasons' Hall is not only too small, but the approaches to it are confined and intricate; not an individual can go in or out without disturbing the meeting, and in case of any alarm the consequences would be fearful. We are glad therefore to learn, that the hall for public meetings, so long contemplated, is to be speedily commenced. It is to be built upon an eligible site in the Strand, and is to accommodate three thousand persons. For particulars, we must refer to the Directors' advertisements. The publication of the Reports of the societies will enable us to give, in the course of our Numbers, a brief outline of their most important proceedings. In many instances a more full account will appear in the societies' own documents, appended to our Numbers. This plan of widely circulating information and exciting interest, without the expense, delay, and inconvenience of dispatching innumerable small separate parcels throughout the country, we are glad to learn has been found of considerable advantage to various societies, and has proved a judicious measure of finance and economy the The the eventual returns from new sources expense. being manifold papers thus circulated have also been perused and preserved; and when bound up may be referred to, in future years, from the monthly abstracts on the last page of our Numbers; whereas hitherto documents of this nature have been too generally wasted as soon as read; or perhaps mislaid, or lost, before time was found for reading them. It is painful to reflect, that of several thousand papers distributed casually, or at public meetings, not one in several probably is preserved, even if read; and the same remark too often applies to bundles of documents sent down, at great expense, to the country. Every friend of charitable institutions ought, in conscience, to make the best possible use of such documents; reading, lending, circulating, or preserving, but never wasting. We pass from the Reports and other documents of the societies, of which we purpose as usual to give from time to time the substance, to the resolutions and speeches at their anniversaries, which our limits do not allow of our detailing. Some of the most interesting of them will, however, appear in the societies' own papers appended to our Numbers, and we doubt not will excite new and enlarged interest for the respective societies among our readers, whom we would strongly urge not only to do all they can themselves to assist the efforts of these invaluable institutions, but to lend these interesting |